Student Complaints should be utlized following exhaustion of all other processes. This includes Grade Appeals, contesting financial aid, release of housing, etc. Students submitting a complaint are required to include documentation of the attempted resolution including all outcome letters and appeal decisions.
PennWest strives for students to have positive experiences on each of our campuses! At times, however, concerns related to services provided by office(s) or disputes with employee(s) happen on any campus. PennWest wishes for students to learn skills needed to resolve conflicts or address concerns in appropriate ways.
Many issues can be resolved through open and honest communication between the involved parties. Whenever possible, students should attempt to resolve the concern using the following informal process first:
Informal Complaint Process:
Step 1: The student should attempt to resolve the concern directly with the individual(s) through a discussion with the employee(s) within 30 days of the alleged incident or most recent occurrence. Students who have a grievance, complaint, or concern related to a particular class should first contact their faculty member to resolve the matter. Student may proceed to Step 2 if they feel uncomfortable communicating directly with the employee.
Step 2: If the complaint remains unresolved, the student should meet with the immediate supervisor of the staff member or department chair for faculty member to resolve the matter. Meetings may be held in person, through Zoom, or by telephone.
Students may have an advisor of their choice with them at this meeting. Students may contact the Dean of Students Office for the California Campus or Global Online at 724-938-4439 for assistance in finding a person who may be able to accompany them to the meeting. Students at the Clarion or Edinboro Campuses may contact the Dean of Students Office at 814-393-1918 for assistance.
Formal Complaint Process:
Step 1: Depending on the nature of the complaint, students who have not resolved the issue through an informal process should refer to the following policies to determine the appropriate steps for filing a formal complaint.
Academic Affairs Complaints/Appeals will be forwarded to the Provost for a review by the Provost or Designee.
- Academic Integrity
- Appealing a Grade or Other Academic Decisions
- Anti-Hazing
- Amorous Relationships
- Non-Descrimination Policy
- Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Global Online Student Complaint Process
- Student Code of Conduct
If the complaint is not related to one of the above policies, students may submit a formal complaint through this form. The Dean of Students Office staff may ask the student to meet and discuss the concern to assist in the preparations for a meeting with the involved office, service, or individual.